The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 224

Clarissa

For the first time in our twisted marriage, I held the power – and I intended to keep it.

Only, it wasn't easy to tell if Nathan was having it. The only thing that changed about his expression was the shocked look, but it quickly morphed into something unreadable.

Then, for a brief moment, uncertainty crossed his expression – an emotion that I had never seen before that made my pulse quicken. But just as quickly, he masked it, exhaling deeply before muttering.

"It's fine."

Then without another word, he walked back to the bed and lay down, as though nothing had happened.

My heart sank and I regretted my actions, and my words… instantly. This wasn't the reaction I had expected or hoped for. Maybe I shouldn't have been so direct. Maybe I should have played along a little longer, given him a chance to chase me, to want me. But the damage was done and it was too late for regrets now.

I swallowed the frustration bubbling in my throat and silently moved to the other side of the bed, slipping under the covers, making sure to maintain as much distance between us as the mattress would allow.

I lay there, staring at the wall, listening to the soft sound of Nathan's breathing. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to rest.

Why didn't he try harder?

Why didn't he push back at least?

I had expected him to fight – to grab me, demand an answer, refuse to let me slip away so easily. But instead, he had simply let me go.

Time ticked by in painful silence. Eventually, my eyelids started growing heavy and just as exhaustion began to take over and my consciousness started to drift and I was about to surrender to sleep, the bed shifted and I felt movement beside me.

Nathan was getting up.

My heart pounded, but I remained still, keeping my breathing even as I listened to his movements through the room. He padded across the floor and then the bathroom door opened and closed with a soft thud.

A while later, it was followed by the sound of running water. I lay motionless, straining to hear every sound. The water stopped, the door opened and I heard his footsteps coming towards the bed. The mattress dipped again as he returned to bed.

Neither of us spoke. Neither of us moved toward the other. We lay in silence, two people sharing a bed but separated by an ocean of silence. Somehow, I must have fallen asleep in between contemplating if I should make a move first or not because when I opened my eyes next, it was morning.

Dawn filtered through the curtains, bringing with it, the scent of lilac from the garden behind the bedroom. I turned and saw Nathan standing by the dresser, already half-dressed and adjusting his clothes.

For a moment, I just watched him.

His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his sleeves rolled up as he secured his belt. His movements were calm as always. Composed, precise…

For some reason, I suddenly felt a sense of urgency. Quickly, I sat up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed and checking my watch. It was just 6 am. My brows furrowed. Where was he going this early?

"It's only 6 am," I said, my voice was still rough from not getting enough sleep. "Where are you going?" I asked.

He continued buttoning his shirt, ignoring me completely. He tucked his shirt into his pants then reached for his tie, moving to stand before the mirror.

"Nathan," I asked you a question," I pressed as irritation seeped into my tone. I even asked a little louder this time.